Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 4.40

Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · clebsch_gordan_coefficients

Problem

(a) A particle of spin 1 and a particle of spin 2 are at rest in a configuration such that the total spin is 3, and its zz component is ℏ\hbar. If you measured the zz-component of the angular momentum of the spin-2 particle, what values might you get, and what is the probability of each one? Comment: Using Clebsch–Gordan tables is like driving a stick-shift—scary and frustrating when you start out, but easy once you get the hang of it. (b) An electron with spin down is in the state ψ510\psi_{510} of the hydrogen atom. If you could measure the total angular momentum squared of the electron alone (not including the proton spin), what values might you get, and what is the probability of each?

Related theory

Browse the problem library